Final answer:
Marriage is a socially recognized union that varies across cultures. It can involve a union between two people, regardless of their gender, or multiple spouses in polygamous societies. Marriages serve various functions, such as providing a formal structure for raising and nurturing offspring, creating alliances between individuals and families, and offering political and economic advantages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marriage is a socially recognized union that varies across cultures. It can involve a union between two people, regardless of their gender, or multiple spouses in polygamous societies. Marriages serve various functions, such as providing a formal structure for raising and nurturing offspring, creating alliances between individuals and families, and offering political and economic advantages. Despite cultural variations, the institution of marriage is universal.